An annual calendar is in the works, featuring photos of Colorado Springs’ natural beauty. The photos could be one from your camera.

The city’s Parks Department recently announced the 13th edition of the Discover COS Photo Contest, in preparing the calendar for 2026. Now through Sept. 5, amateurs and pros alike can submit pictures showcasing the city’s parks, open spaces and trails.

One can submit up to five photos, as part of rules and regulations (including a waiver) posted on a contest webpage: tinyurl.com/397carp2

The webpage explains the theme of this year’s contest, “Rooted in the Outdoors” — “celebrat(ing) the essential role that open spaces play in the life of Colorado Springs.” The Parks Department seeks images that reflect “how open spaces are experienced and valued today, connections between people and the land in these natural areas, and the balance of access, beauty and care across the city’s open space system.”

The system includes the premier likes of Stratton and Red Rock Canyon open spaces, along with North Cheyenne Canon and Palmer parks. High Chaparral, consisting of scrubby hills and bluffs around an east-side neighborhood, and Bluestem Prairie south of the airport are among lesser-appreciated open spaces. As is Sinton Pond. The water reflects fall cottonwood colors and Pikes Peak in a winning photo that accompanied the city’s recent announcement for the contest.

Photos can be submitted by emailing calendar@coloradosprings.gov or dropped off or mailed to the Parks Department at 1401 Recreation Way. Winners will be announced in early October.

Calendars will be printed and sold for a suggested donation. Proceeds will help fund the reforestation of the former Snyder Quarry, the historic scar in the hills west of Garden of the Gods that is currently undergoing reclamation in the city’s long-term vision for Black Canyon Open Space.